Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 258.015 – Dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies -- Issuance and distribution of certificates -- Tags for dogs -- Requirements for compliance by qualified persons -- Cat and ferret owners. (Effective July 15, 2026)

(1) Every owner shall have his or her dog, cat, or ferret initially vaccinated against rabies by the age of four (4) months and revaccinated at the expiration of the immunization period as certified by a Kentucky-licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian, or a Kentucky-licensed veterinary technician in accordance to KRS 321.190, who vaccinates a dog, cat, or ferret shall issue to the owner a vaccination certificate signed by the veterinarian or signed by both the administering veterinary technician and the supervising veterinarian on a form approved by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The vaccination certificate shall be prepared and issued in duplicate, one (1) copy to be retained by the issuing veterinarian and one
(1) copy to be given to the owner of the dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated. Each certificate shall bear the name and address of the veterinarian who issued it. The veterinarian shall also furnish each dog owner with a rabies tag bearing a serial number corresponding to the vaccination certificate with the year of immunization. The tag shall be affixed to a collar or harness furnished by the owner and shall be worn by the dog for which the tag was issued. No one except the owner or his or her duly authorized agent shall remove the tag.
(2) Every qualified person who vaccinates his or her own dog shall comply with the vaccination certificate and tag requirement provisions of subsection (1) of this section and the administrative regulations promulgated under KRS 258.075.
(3) Every owner of a cat or ferret shall show proof of a valid rabies vaccination upon request of an animal control officer or peace officer.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 104, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 28, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 569, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 3, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 426, sec. 515, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 37, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. VI, sec. 107(1). -- Created 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 119, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1954.